Housing provision tops Boko’s priorities

President Duma Boko, whose UDC won the General Election late last month, announced during his maiden State of The Nation (SONA) this week that they will lay the foundation for an affordable housing initiative by mapping housing needs, identifying sites, and commencing pilot projects in urban and rural areas.

Boko’s revelation did not come as a surprise because the UDC had indicated in their 2024 elections manifesto that it would develop policies and comprehensive schemes for affordable housing. In their housing pledge, the UDC promised to ensure ownership and finance for first-time buyers/developers at fixed interest rates, making home ownership more accessible to all. In its pillar three on land, housing, environment, climate change, and green economy, the UDC pointed out that it will also use the private sector and brigades, to improve housing schemes in villages and towns by erecting at least 100, 000 houses within the five years in government. While Boko did not reiterate the 100, 000 target in this week’s SONA, he highlighted that his government will launch a comprehensive national housing programme focused on affordable housing for all.